A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A new release from Rockburn with a focus on specific sites or clones within the vineyard. As winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis says “All grapes are picked. Not all are chosen”. Both …
Rockburn ‘The Chosen’ Pinot Noirs of 2021 Read More
A return to one of my wines of the year from 2021 – a Chardonnay that has ranked amongst my favourite New Zealand versions since the introduction of this single …
Church Road 1 Chardonnay 2021 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay blend of Chardonnay from their vineyards plus some Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc from Maraekakaho – banged together to make an ideal crisp summer white – something …
Village Vineyards Sunset Pool 2021 Read More
Made from what seems like quite exotic varietals to us in New Zealand – Cinsault, Sangiovese and Sagrantino, and with one of those creatively crazy D’Arenberg names on the label. …
D’Arenberg Stephanie the Gnome with Rose coloured glasses 2021 Read More
A single-variety wine from Hawke’s Bay, grown in their stony, sandy river terrace vineyard. Showing good varietal typicity, with that ‘Franc funk’ smoky and earthy character to the fore. A …
Askerne Cabernet Franc 2021 Read More
If you haven’t seen these two articles in conversation recently with Simon Swa and Hugh Crichton at Elephant Hill, do have a look – https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=6609 and https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=6400. The company is …
Elephant Hill ‘Stone’ Syrah, Merlot & Cabernet Franc Read More
Made from Clone 337 Cabernet grapes, grown in a 3/4ha block in the Gimblett Gravels. An intense black/garnet colour in the glass, with and equally big, smoky set of aromas, …
Trinity Hill ‘Prison Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Read More
A combination of grapes from the Tuki Tuki vineyard and the Terraces vineyard – the top tier of Church Road’s enviable Chardonnay stable. A pale golden straw in the glass, …
Church Road ‘TOM’ Chardonnay 2021 Read More
Always a treat to take a look at one wine, across three different vintages. This Pinot Noir comes from the ‘home block’ vineyard of Saint Clair Family Estate founders, Neal …
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 ‘Doctor’s Creek’ Pinot Noir – 3 vintages Read More
A very pale green-straw in the glass, with energy and focus to the aromatics on the nose. There is lime leaf, dried pear, cherry, pineapple, lemongrass and nectarine and a …
Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Read More